The Bulldogs lost three seniors heading into 2008 leaving four scholarship players with a total of two games of experience and no catches among them. The position produced only 10 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns a year ago but new assistant coach Scott Sallach is hoping to change all that.

Sallach believes the unit has made strides since he began working with them in the spring for the first time.

"The tight ends are looking pretty good," Sallach said. "They are making a lot of progress from the spring. Marcus Green and Kendrick Cook have both done an excellent job."

While Dan Mullen was the offensive coordinator at Florida his end Aaron Hernandez hauled in 34 passes for 381 yards and five touchdowns en route to the Gators National Championship last season.

Sallach can see the same time of production from this unit as they continue to improve.

"It just all depends on what we see and what we want to get accomplished with Coach Mullen and the offense," Sallach said. "They could become a vital part of what is going on especially if they continue to develop."

The position took a hit in the offseason when Nelson Hurst decided to transfer to North Carolina following spring practice after starting 10 games as a true freshman catching two passes for 11 yards.